ABSTRACT
The bridge infrastructure network in Colombia is subjected to multiple deterioration and hazardous conditions. In recent years, the current bridge management system (BMS) has become obsolete, which has enhanced the nation infrastructure deterioration due to a lack of proper management and maintenance procedures. Therefore, a new bridge management system was developed in order to give the national transportation institute a proper tool for managing the bridge network. This BMS consists in 5 main modules that gathers information regarding the characteristics, deterioration state, and risks of each bridge. This tools will allow the institute to elaborate multi-annual intervention plans and determine budgetary needs based on the condition state of each bridge. A proper implementation of this proposed BMS would change the current management philosophy of the Colombian transportation institute towards a more preventive strategy which would increase the overall life cycle of the Colombian bridge network.
